[Fsfe-uk] Re: [uk-parl] EC Information Technology "Task Force" - swpat again?

[Pete Chown]

Alex Hudson wrote:

> The article specifically mentions that they'll be looking at
> patents...

Actually the article says that they will look at the impact of patents
on small businesses, which might be more promising.

Does any kind of patent boost competitiveness?  These days, new
techniques are likely to be patented in all markets simultaneously.
This means that patents in Britain provide the same advantage to
Britain's competitors as to Britain's own companies.

(Patents in some sectors of the economy might still be justified by the
fact that they boost investment overall, worldwide.)

Pete